More photos of this internship may be found here
Ghana has a rich cultural history and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in Africa, with vibrant cities and friendly people. Despite its strong economic growth and sound political system, progress is still needed in the quality of healthcare. CFHI offers two programs in Ghana, offering insight to care delivery in low-resource environments, overcoming challenges such as the healthcare system’s financial and structural constraints, and existing social determinants of health.
In the bustling capital city of Accra, participants will have firsthand educational experiences under various themes based on interests and availability. These include maternal and child health, pediatrics, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, rehabilitative care in children and adults (in the aspect of Physical and Occupational therapy), and some aspects of Adult Medicine.
Alternatively, experience the lively port city of Cape Coast, where you will shadow healthcare workers at a large teaching hospital that provides primary and tertiary care while learning about hospital medicine, public health, infectious disease, and more in various departments. Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to gain clinical on-site and outreach learning experiences from a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) organization in partnership with various community stakeholders in public health and development.
In both programs in Ghana, you will stay in a local guesthouse in a suburban neighborhood with a local coordinator, while immersing yourself in Ghanaian culture.
Visit CFHI’s website to learn more about Ghana internships.
Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a United Nations–recognized nonprofit that offers immersive, community-based Global Health Education Programs for students and emerging professionals. CFHI’s unique model emphasizes reciprocal partnerships with local health professionals and organizations, encouraging participants to grow in their understanding of health, culture, and global citizenship. Programs are currently offered in 10 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Mexico, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, and the Philippines).
As a CFHI participant, you will observe local healthcare delivery, learn from experienced medical and public health professionals, and explore key global health topics through clinical shadowing and public health activities. CFHI programs help students explore health in diverse settings, build real-world skills like cultural humility and communication, and strengthen their foundation for future academic and professional success.
Intern responsibilities will include learning and completing all assignments given by the local team, completing pre-departure training so as to maximize competency development during the program, participating in engaged observation and shadowing in clinical settings, and professionally engaging in available projects and operations in any available NGO settings aligned with best practices for global health engagement.
CFHI's programs are rooted in strong ethical principles. The organization offers first and foremost a global learning opportunity, where interns learn by shadowing and engaging in clinical and public health rotations with local experts. In line with our commitment to best practices in global health, clinical rotations and public health activities in CFHI are strictly observational. Participants join the local team as learners and observers in Ghana.
* Fees vary based on medical history and insurance coverage
*Fee amounts are calculated with an exchange rate from LOCAL CURRENCY at the time of posting.
Host Site Fee Details:
The CFHI host site fee includes:
All housing is screened by CFHI Local Coordinators and follows CFHI’s health and safety guidelines. Participants in this program stay in a guest house in residential neighborhoods. For added comfort and support, the CFHI local coordinator resides on-site. Accommodation also includes 2 meals a day. CFHI scholars share a room with fellow program participants of the same gender.
“My experience with CFHI was nothing short of amazing! During my clinicals settings, the medical officers were very welcoming and engaging in conversations. They all were more than happy to help me understand medical issues in their setting, go into detail about certain issues, and also expose me to different cases I may not have been exposed to back home. My favorite part of clinicals was attending surgeries every Wednesday. This experience was amazing because I was able to witness all the moving parts that play a role in surgeries and it was also my first time watching surgeries be performed on children as young as 2 months old! I also really enjoyed the Outpatient Department and being able to see all the new cases and clinics each week. This was super interesting and engaging because there was something new that I could learn every day from asthma clinic, neuro clinic, and just regular OPD. Finally, being able to be immersed in this experience while having the independence to explore the city and learn more about myself was life changing. I felt extremely safe in Accra and being able to go out and explore during my free time allowed me to learn many things about myself and pushed me out of my comfort zone. This experience really changed my life for the better and I am so happy I met so many great people and I plan to continue to build on the friendships I have made. CFHI is the absolute best and I HIGHLY recommend this program!” Inglyand A., 2024
“My five weeks in Cape Coast, Ghana with CFHI was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I was part of the Clinical Track and spent my time shadowing in the surgery and neurosurgery departments at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. From the very first day, I was welcomed by the healthcare team and made to feel like part of the hospital community. I spent most of my time observing surgeries, sitting in on ward rounds, and learning how physicians navigate complex cases in a system with limited resources. What stood out to me was how willing the house officers were to engage with me. They explained procedures, answered my questions, and shared their own experiences working in the Ghanaian healthcare system. I was constantly learning, not just about medicine, but about the importance of adaptability, compassion, and teamwork in clinical care. Connecting with patients was another powerful part of my experience. Even though I was just a student shadowing, many patients welcomed me into their space with kindness and openness. These small moments, sharing a conversation or simply being present, taught me a lot about the human side of medicine. Outside the hospital, the CFHI accommodations were safe and comfortable, and living with other students and our local coordinator created a strong sense of community. The local CFHI team was supportive and always made sure we were prepared, both in and out of the clinical setting. Cape Coast itself was an incredible place to live. In our free time, we explored the beaches, hiked through Kakum National Park, and visited the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, which offered a powerful look into Ghana’s history. We also got to experience Ghanaian culture firsthand, from trying traditional foods to learning local customs and phrases. This program helped me grow both personally and professionally. It gave me real insight into global health, strengthened my interest in surgery, and reminded me of why I chose to pursue medicine in the first place. I'm grateful to CFHI for offering such a thoughtful, immersive experience, and I would absolutely recommend the Cape Coast program to anyone looking to gain clinical exposure.” Lidia G., 2025
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
Spring: November 15
Summer: